Merak Sakteng Trek

Merak Sakteng Trek

Merak Sakteng Trek

In northeastern Bhutan, there are two fascinating villages with a culture and traditions different in many ways from the rest of the Bhutanese people. They have a rich cultural heritage, relying on animals like yaks, sheep, cows, and horses. They move from place to place with the change of seasons and are known as "Brogpas," which means "herdsmen" or semi-nomadic tribesmen. These villages are called "Merak & Sakteng."

The trek passes through the twin villages of Merak and Sakteng, which lie above 3000m from sea level. The trek goes through Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also home to endangered species such as the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan bear, and Himalayan red fox, as well as the legendary yeti. The people living in the Merak and Sakteng area are semi-nomadic yak herders with a unique and fascinating culture. They speak a different dialect, have their own deities, and wear a unique style of dress. They wear headgear made of yak hair with five tentacles designed to draw away the rain.

Merak Sakten Trek, Bhutan

Trip Highlights & Attractions

The Merak and Sakteng Trek provides a distinctive experience of the semi-nomadic way of life, culture, and dialect to hikers in one of the most picturesque pastoral valleys located within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in the Trashigang District of eastern Bhutan. The sanctuary safeguards the easternmost temperate forest ecosystems in the country, which are home to unique species like the eastern blue pine, black-rumped magpie, and others exclusively found in the eastern region. This trek became accessible to tourists in 2012, thirty years after the commencement of tourism in Bhutan. It is a moderately challenging trek that takes trekkers through the semi-nomadic villages of Gengu, Merak, Sakteng, Thakthi, and Joenkhar.

Visitors who trek through this area will have the opportunity to explore the indigenous culture of these tribesmen, not only seeing them personally. It's an opportunity to experience their indigenous culture and traditions before it's too late.

  • Witness a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Himalayas onboard a flight from Paro.
  • Visit significant spiritual & pilgrimage sites in Bhutan.
  • Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’- one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan.
  • Visit Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful monastery in Bhutan.
  • Explore Bumthang- the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to the oldest monasteries & temples.
  • Visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang in Bumthang.
  • Visit Jakar Dzong – “the castle of the white bird”.
  • Explore the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Experience the semi-nomadic lifestyle, culture and idiom of the peoples of Eastern Bhutan.

Merak Sakteng Trek, Itinerary

Arrive at Guwahati airport in Assam, India. Meet our representative and drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, a trade hub for eastern Bhutan. In the evening, stroll around the town. Overnight at the Hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.
After an early breakfast, we drive north to Trashigang. En route, we visit a local weaving centre in Khaling. Later in the afternoon, we visit Trashigang Dzong, the administrative center of the valley. Overnight at a Hotel in Trashigang.
Drive to Trashiyangtse, visiting Gomkora temple and Doksum village along the way. In Trashiyantse, visit the Traditional Art School, Chorten Kora, and stroll around the village and its small town. Return to Trashigang for overnight. Overnight at the Hotel in Trashigang.
From Trashigang drive for about 2 hours to the road end at Chaling at 2135m. Then, begin trekking with a gradual climb towards Shaktimi meadow, with yaks and sheep grazing with some yak herders’ huts scattered on the hillside. Continue the climb to reach Mendula Pass at 3345m. After the pass, it is all downhill through the rhododendron forests till campsite at a beautiful meadow known as Donmong chu by the river at 3145m. Overnight in camp.
Today we trek along the Donmong Chu River through the rhododendron forests and shrubs. Today’s trail skips steep climbs and follows the river bends, gradually gaining the height. The first village we come across is Gangu (3430m) and after another 45 minutes, we arrive at a large Merak village at an elevation of 3520m. Overnight in Camp.
We start early from the camp, towards the east with a gradual climb to the first pass at 3900m. Today, we cross the highest pass along with some smaller passes and ridges, so it might be the toughest day of this trek. We continue along the tree line till we reach Nachungla Pass at 4150m. Catch a glimpse of 360 views of Bhutan peaks, Arunachal and Tibet. From the pass, it is a long descent to the Miksateng village campsite at 3060m. Overnight in camp.
After breakfast, we descend down to the river and then climb gradually towards a small pass with a small chorten (stupa) on the hill overlooking the Sakteng valley. From the ridge, we descend down to the valley and cross the river into Sakten village at an altitude of 2950m. Overnight in camp.
Today, we rest at Sakteng, exploring its beauty. In the morning, we visit the village, local homes, and temple, meet with people and witness the lifestyle and unique living culture of this ethnic group. In the afternoon, we watch the cultural show performed by locals. Brokpas have unique yak and ache Lhamo dances. We can also try the local liquor with a special ceremony. Overnight in Sakteng.
Today we trek for about 6-7 hours with a gradual descent. As the journey seems long so we start early from the camp. Leaving Sakteng, we march forward for the Joenkhar Teng and camp right next to the river at an altitude of 1750m. Overnight in camp
Our last day of the trek begins with a short climb through Joenkhar Teng and a long descent crossing suspension bridges, and a short climb to reach Phongmay (1770m). Afterwards, drive to Mongar town, which takes about 5hrs via Trashigang. Overnight at Hotel in Monger.
After breakfast, we begin a long and spectacular drive west to Bumthang across Thrumshingla National Park. We witness the drastic vegetation and landscapes, rich in birds and other wildlife. We also pass through many small hamlets and villages along the way before arriving in Jakar in the evening. Overnight at the Hotel in Jakar.
In the morning, visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom, as Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), meditates here. From Kurje monastery, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang. This temple, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro). After lunch, hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later, visit Jakar Dzong, “the castle of the white bird”, and then take a stroll through Bumthang’s market area before returning to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, take a long drive to Punakha. From Jakar, cross into Chumey Valley, then across Yontongla Pass. We arrive in Trongsa, where we stop to peek at the Tower of Trongsa museum and also see the impressive Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa Dzong is one of the largest fortresses in Bhutan. Traverse Pele la pass (through Black Mountain National Park) and descend into the semi-tropical Punakha-Wangdue valley, where we arrive in the evening. Overnight at Punakha.
After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong crossing the bridge. It’s the ancient capital of Bhutan connecting the Mo Chu & Pho Chu Rivers. It is also the winter capital for the monks and the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). Afterwards, drive to Lobeysa for lunch. After lunch, hike another 20 minutes to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the “Divine Madman” built in 1499 and today mostly visited by the women who couldn’t bear Children, thus also known as the temple of fertility. Afterwards, drive to Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
Full day at Thimphu for touring, it has many monuments and attractions such as Textile Academy, Farmer’s Market, Changlimithang, Handicrafts workshops, Giant Buddha statue and others if time permits. In the evening, drive a short distance to Paro (1 1/2 hr) Overnight at Paro in Hotel
We will spend the full day in charming Paro Valley, where we will visit the National Museum, Rinphung Dzong, the beautiful 7th-century Kichu Lhakhang temple, Dumtse Lhakhang, Dzondrakha cave temples, and local farmhouses by short walks and drives. Overnight at Paro in Hotel
Early in the morning, make an excursion to Taktsang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face at 2950m above sea level, it defies all engineering logic. For the energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery. (The hike demands a certain level of fitness and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost). Just on the outskirts of Paro town, visit Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and have the opportunity to meet the local villages in a local farm house. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains

Cost Includes

  • All Meals [Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner]
  • Accommodation is combined in 3 and 4 Star Hotel.
  • All transportation within the country, including airport transfers.
  • Royalty and Govt. Taxes
  • Service of cook, guide and Helper
  • Visa Fee and Airport tax
  • An English-speaking trek Guide.
  • Sightseeing tour as per itinerary.
  • Yak, Ponies to carry supplies
  • Mess Tent, Kitchen Tent and Toilet Tent

Cost Excludes

  • All kinds of Drinks like Mineral water, Beer, Juice, etc.
  • Your Individual Expenses.
  • Foods beyond 3 meals a day
  • Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares.
  • Entry fees for Museums and Monuments.
  • Travel Insurance Premium.
  • Service payments are provided on a personal basis.
  • We will provide sleeping mats, but you must bring your sleeping bags.
  • Tips to the Guide and Porter (Expected)
  • Cost for any services not mentioned.
Trip Facts
Trip ID:
BHTR-05
Trip type:
Bhutan Trekking
Trip grade:
Moderate
Starting from:
Guwahati
Ending at:
Paro
Trip duration:
18 Days
Base price:
4550 USD
Max altitude:
4140 Meters
Accommodation at:
Lodge/Tea House
Group Size:
2-16 Person
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